Here are ten things we can learn from the mighty wolf.

1. Loyalty/teamwork Wolves are fiercely loyal to their pack, they are the ultimate team players. Many sports teams, families and businesses could learn a thing or two from the teamwork that wolves demonstrate. Understand your place, follow the rules and be loyal to your ‘pack’. Wolves will do anything to protect their family, even if it means sacrificing themselves. They work together to achieve a common goal that benefits the whole pack.

For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack. ~Rudyard Kipling

2. Living in tough environments Wolves live in some of the most extreme environments in the world, and they don’t just survive, they thrive (provided we don’t shoot them). They make the most of the resources they have available and accept the situation they are in. Wolves have been found living in more places in the world than any other mammal, apart from humans obviously. Humans can also live in tough environments but (in some cases) we don’t half moan about it.

3. Respect for elders The strict hierarchy in a wolf pack means that youngsters have a great respect for their elders. They do as they are told and although they might challenge their parents occasionally they know exactly where they stand.

4. Only take what you need Humans tend to take far more than they need, which means we are gradually ruining our planet. If we were as resourceful as wolves the world would be a much better place. Wolves only take what they need and although they are sometimes described as ‘opportunistic’, every move in their game has a compelling reason behind it. We shouldn’t keep using things we don’t really need.

5- True Love Wolves are probably more loyal to their families than most human beings are to theirs. Wolves commonly mate for life, and relationships among brothers and sisters in the pack are often as fierce as the bond between their parents. It’s usually “’til death do us part” for wolves. In the wild, they start breeding by the age of two. Mated pairs build their wolf pack by having a new litter every year. So when you see a lone wolf, have some sympathy. He’s single and looking for love, mourning his dead partner, or, in extreme cases, nursing a breakup with the pack.

6. Communication Wolves are expert communicators, able to direct an entire pack with a howl, snarl, growl, look or using their body language. They also use scent and touch to communicate to members of the pack and rival packs. The communication between wolf pack members seems effortless. When you watch them hunt they just seem to know what to do, where to be and how to help each other. It’s what makes them such successful predators.

7. Show affection Wolves show affection to each other by licking, grooming, nuzzling and even nibbling one another. They are not afraid to show affection when they feel it or a pack member needs it. Life gets so intense and we are often moving so fast that we forget to show our partners affection. Take time out of your busy schedule to actually be with your partner and give them some much needed affection.

8. Play/have fun when you get the chance Wolves will take the opportunity to have a bit of fun or play when there is nothing pressing to do. We humans often miss the chance to indulge in a little fun. Watch a video of wolf cubs playing and it might just encourage you to enjoy life a little more. If you have some time to spare, do something you love and have some FUN!

9. Rest Wolves will save their energy whenever they can, so that when they need to hunt they have as much strength as possible. Us humans on the other hand, we don’t seem to truly understand the concept of rest these days. Rest is extremely important, so make sure you get some once in a while. Don’t run yourself into the ground or you will have no energy to keep fighting.

10. Leave your mark It’s the most important thing we can learn from wolves. Leave your mark in life. You only get one chance at life, so do something you enjoy and make your mark on the world.